Removable protective covering

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for masking a planar surface and providing information at the point of use of an assembly including the planar surface are disclosed. In one advantageous method in accordance with the present invention, a masking material comprising a substrate and an adhesive disposed over a first face of the substrate is provided. One or more strips of masking material are applied to a planar surface, and an information bearing sheet is applied over the one or more strips of masking material. In some embodiments, the protective covering comprises a free portion and a fixed portion. The free portion of the protective covering defining a first side of a channel and the face of the pane defining a second side of the channel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/940,970 by Trpkovski filed Aug. 28, 2001.

[0002] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/076,211 by Trpkovski filed Feb. 12, 2002.

[0003] The entire disclosure of the above mentioned patent applicationsis hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates generally to protective maskingmaterial that can be applied to insulating glass units, monolithicpanes, and other workpieces. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to advantageous configurations of masking material which may beeasily removed from a workpiece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In most industrialized countries, windows touch people's liveseveryday. Wherever people work and live there are windows. Windows allowthe occupants of a building to view the outside world while allowing sunlight to enter the interior of the building. Sunlight is a naturalantidepressant and helps the human body produce vitamin D. Thus, acertain amount of sunshine is essential to mental and physical wellbeing.

[0006] In extreme climates significant energy may be lost throughwindows during the winter when a building is being heated, and/or duringthe summer when a building is being cooled. With the rising cost ofenergy, efforts have been made to provide homes and other buildings withinsulation that will more efficiently prevent the transfer of heatbetween the inside and the outside of a building. Insulating glass unitshave been developed to reduce the amount of heat transfer throughwindows.

[0007] There are basically three types of insulating glass unitscommercially available today. These three types are often referred to assingle glazing, double glazing, and triple glazing. Double glazedinsulating glass units are the most common. These insulating glass unitsinclude a space sealed between two panes of glass. This sealed spaceprovides insulation, the insulating effect may be enhanced by fillingthe space with an insulative gas such as argon, or krypton. Comparedwith a single pane, a double glazed insulating glass unit can cut heatloss through a window nearly in half.

[0008] Because of the dramatic energy savings which can be achieved withinsulating glass units, building codes in many jurisdictions have beenrevised to require the installation of insulating glass units. Therelative energy performance of these insulating glass units is clearlyan important factor to be considered when windows are purchased by aconsumer. The federal government of the United States of America hasdeveloped an Energy Star designation which may be used to identifywindows which meet certain energy performance criteria. In anotherattempt to help consumers make informed decisions regarding windowpurchases, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has recentlyinstituted new labeling requirements for windows. The NFRC requirementsinclude both a permanent marking and a temporary label. The NFRC labelincludes ratings for U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC),Visible Transmittance (VT), and air leakage (AL). These ratings must beprovided for both residential and non-residential applications. All ofthese ratings typically vary from one window to the next. The labelingof windows may also include additional information such as a modelnumber, the window style, the window dimensions, and a date code. Thisinformation also typically varies from one window to the next. Thelabeling requirements described above present a challenge to windowmanufacturers since a great deal of information is required, and sincethis information frequently varies from one window to the next.

[0009] Human beings have a relatively narrow temperature range in whichthey are comfortable. Unfortunately, infrared (IR) energy from the sunentering a room through a window can quickly raise the temperature to anuncomfortable level. Many windows include low emissivity coatings thathave been developed to prevent heat spikes within a room by reflecting alarge portion of incident infra red energy. Recently, self cleaningcoatings have also been developed for use on window glass. Thesecoatings may eliminate the need to clean the glass of an insulatingglass unit.

[0010] Because the glass of an insulating glass unit typically includesspecial coatings, temporary labels that are applied to the glass aretypically manufactured using special paper and special inks so that thecoatings on the glass will not be damaged. The coatings on an insulatingglass unit may also be damaged during transportation to a building site,or during the building process. The building process typically involvesthe efforts of a variety of crafts people such as carpenters, masons,and painters. During the building process the coatings on an insulatingglass unit can be scratched or covered with paint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates generally to protective maskingmaterial that can be applied to insulating glass units, monolithicpanes, and other workpieces. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to advantageous configurations of masking material which may beeasily removed from a workpiece. An assembly in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a pane having aface and a protective covering overlaying the face of the pane.

[0012] In some implantations, the protective covering includes a freeportion which overlays the face of the pane and is easily lifted awayfrom the face of the pane. In some advantageous implementations of thepresent invention, the free portion of the protective covering isdimensioned so as to be easily pinched between the thumb and indexfinger of a human hand.

[0013] Some implementations of the present invention include a pull tabcomprising a portion of a strip which extends beyond an outer perimeterof the protective covering. In some cases, the pull tab extends betweenthe outer perimeter of the protective covering and an inner border of aframe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is an additional perspective view of the strip shown in theprevious figure.

[0016]FIG. 3 is perspective view of a first strip having an adherentportion and a non-adherent portion.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including theinsulating glass unit of the previous figure.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including theprotective covering shown in the previous figure.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with anadditional exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first strip having an adherentportion and a non-adherent portion.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembly including the firststrip shown in the previous figure.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembly including aninsulating glass unit.

[0025]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembly including theprotective covering shown in the previous figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following detailed description should be read with referenceto the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings arenumbered identically. The drawings depict selected, exemplaryembodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Itshould be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, forexample, the thickness of some elements may be exaggerated for thepurposes of illustration. Examples of constructions, materials,dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selectedelements. All other elements employ that which is known to those ofskill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternativesthat can be utilized.

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly of FIG. 1comprises a pane 100 and a strip 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, anadherent portion 104 of strip 102 is fixed to a face 106 of pane 100 byan adhesive 108. A first channel 120 and a second channel 122 aredefined by non-adherent portions 124 of strip 102 and face 106 of pane100.

[0028]FIG. 2 is an additional perspective view of strip 102 shown in theprevious figure. In FIG. 2 it may be appreciated that strip 102comprises a substrate 126 having a major surface 180. In FIG. 2,adhesive 108 is shown disposed on major surface 180, so that majorsurface 180 of substrate 126 includes an adhesive covered portion 128and a plurality of non-adhesive portions 130.

[0029]FIG. 3 is perspective view of a first strip 302A having anadherent portion 304 and a non-adherent portion 324. First strip 302Aincludes a substrate 326 having a major surface 380. In the embodimentof FIG. 3, adherent portion 304 of first strip 302A comprises anadhesive 308A which is shown overlaying an adhesive covered portion 328of major surface 380 of substrate 326. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 3,non-adherent portion 324 comprises a non-adhesive portion 330 ofsubstrate 326.

[0030] It is to be appreciated that substrate 326 of first strip 302Amay comprise various materials without deviating from the spirit andscope of the present invention. Examples of materials which may besuitable in some applications include cellulostic materials (e.g.,paper), metal foil, and polymeric film. Examples of polymeric materialswhich may be suitable in some applications include: polyethylene (PE),polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (e.g., PET), polyamide, andpolyimide.

[0031]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly of FIG. 4comprises an insulating glass unit 332 including a first pane 300A. Afirst strip 302A is disposed on a face 306 of first pane 300A in FIG. 4.First strip 302A includes an adherent portion 304 and a non-adherentportion 324. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, adherent portion 304 of firststrip 302A is fixed to face 306 of first pane 300A by an adhesive 308A.

[0032] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a channel 320 is defined by firststrip 302A and first pane 300A. More particularly, channel 320 has afirst side 334 defined by face 306 of pane 300A and a second side 336defined by non-adherent portion 324 of first strip 302. Channel 320 alsoincludes a third side 338 defined by adhesive 308A. In FIG. 4, adhesive308A can be seen extending between adherent portion 304 of first strip302A and face 306 of pane 300A.

[0033] It should be appreciated that FIG. 4 is not necessarily drawn toscale. In a preferred embodiment, for example, adhesive 308A isgenerally thinner than substrate 326 of first strip 302 A. In FIG. 4,channel 320 is shown having a thickness that is similar to a thicknessof adhesive 308A. In some embodiments, channel 320 may be generallythinner than adhesive 308A. For example, non-adherent portion 324 offirst strip 302A contacts face 306 of pane 300A in some embodiments.

[0034] Insulating glass unit 332 of FIG. 4 includes a first pane 300A, asecond pane 300AB and a spacer 340 interposed between first pane 300Aand second pane 300AB. First pane 300A, second pane 300AB, and spacer340 preferably define a interpane space. In some embodiments, aninsulative gas (e.g., argon, krypton, and/or others) may be disposedwithin the interpane space. Embodiments are also possible in which theinterpane space contains air or vacuum. Insulating glass unit 332 may begenerally referred to as a double glazed insulating glass unit. Otherembodiments of insulating glass unit 332 are possible without deviatingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example,insulating glass unit 332 may be a single glazed insulating glass unit,or a triple glazed insulating glass unit.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including theinsulating glass unit 332 of the previous figure. In FIG. 5, aprotective covering 342 is shown overlaying face 306 of first pane 300A.In the embodiment of FIG. 5, protective covering 342 comprises aplurality of strips 302 disposed in an overlapping arrangement.

[0036] In FIG. 5, it may be appreciated that protective covering 342comprises a fixed portion 344 and a free portion 346. In FIG. 5 freeportion 346 of protective covering 342 is shown overlaying a channel320. In some advantageous embodiments of the present invention, freeportion 346 of protective covering 342 is dimensioned to be pinchedbetween the thumb and index finger of a human hand. In some cases, forexample, free portion 346 of protective covering 342 has a width that issimilar to the thickness of a human finger.

[0037] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, free portion 346 of protectivecovering 342 comprises a non-adherent portion 324 of a first strip 302Aand a portion of a second strip 302B which is fixed to first strip 302Aby a second adhesive 308B. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, fixedportion 344 of protective covering 342 comprises an adherent portion 304of first strip 302A that is fixed to first pane 300A by a first adhesive308A. Additionally, fixed portion 344 of protective covering 342comprises a portion of second strip 302B which is fixed to first pane300A by second adhesive 308B.

[0038] In FIG. 5 it may be appreciated that protective covering 342 alsoincludes a third strip 302C which partially overlaps second strip 302Band a fourth strip 302D which partially overlaps third strip 302C. It isto be appreciated that protective covering 342 may comprise any numberof strips without deviating from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, third strip 302C comprises asubstrate that is preferably fixed to first pane 300A and second strip302B by a third adhesive 308C. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, fourthstrip 302D comprises a substrate that is preferably fixed to first pane300A and third strip 302C by a fourth adhesive 308D.

[0039] It is to be appreciated that the substrates of second strip 302B,third strip 302C and fourth strip 302D may comprise various materialswithout deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Examples of materials which may be suitable in some applications includecellulostic materials (e.g., paper), metal foil, and polymeric film.Examples of polymeric materials which may be suitable in someapplications include: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester(e.g., PET), polyamide, and polyimide.

[0040] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a channel 320 is defined by firststrip 302A and face 306 of first pane 300A. More particularly, channel320 has a first side 334 defined by face 306 of first pane 300A and asecond side 336 defined by non-adherent portion 324 of first strip 302.Channel 320 also includes a third side 338 defined by adhesive 308A. InFIG. 5, adhesive 308A can be seen extending between adherent portion 304of first strip 302A and face 306 of first pane 300A.

[0041] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, face 306 of first pane 300A includesan unmasked apron 348 extending between an outer perimeter 350 ofprotective covering 342 and an outer extent 352 of first pane 300A. Insome advantageous embodiments of the present invention, unmasked apron348 is dimensioned to mate with a frame. Also in some advantageousembodiments of the present invention, outer perimeter 350 of protectivecovering 342 is dimensioned so as to be disposed within an innerboundary of a frame.

[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, channel 320 includes a first opening354 and a second opening 356. In FIG. 5, these openings can be seenextending between free portion 346 of protective covering 342 and face306 of first pane 300A. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, first opening 354and second opening 356 are both disposed directly adjacent to unmaskedapron 348 of first pane 300A. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, firstopening 354 is substantially aligned with a first edge 382 of outerperimeter 350 of protective covering 342. In FIG. 5 it may also beappreciated that second opening 356 is substantially aligned with asecond edge 358 of outer perimeter 350 of protective covering 342.

[0043]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including protectivecovering 342 shown in the previous figure. In FIG. 6, a portion ofprotective covering 342 is shown disposed between the thumb and indexfinger of a human hand. In a preferred embodiment, free portion 346 ofprotective covering 342 is adapted to be easily lifted away from face306 of first pane 300 A.

[0044]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with anadditional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assemblyof FIG. 7 includes a first pane 500A and a protective covering 542overlaying a face 506 of first pane 500A. The assembly of FIG. 7 alsoincludes a pull tab 560. In the embodiment Of FIG. 7, pull tab 560comprises a portion of a first strip 502A which extends beyond an outerperimeter 550 of protective covering 542. In the embodiment of FIG. 5,an adherent portion 504 of first strip 502 is fixed to face 506 of firstpane 500A by an adhesive 508.

[0045] A first channel 520 and a second channel 522 are defined bynon-adherent portions 524 of first strip 502A and face 506 of first pane500A. First channel 520 communicates with a first opening 554 and asecond opening 556. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, first opening 554 issubstantially aligned with a first edge 582 of outer perimeter 550 ofprotective covering 542. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, secondopening 556 is substantially aligned with an outer extent 552 of firstpane 500A.

[0046]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly ofFIG. 8 includes an insulating glass unit 532 comprising a first pane500A. In FIG. 8, a protective covering 542 is shown overlaying a face506 of first pane 500A. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, face 506 of firstpane 500A includes an unmasked apron 548 extending between an outerperimeter 550 of protective covering 542 and an outer extent 552 offirst pane 500A.

[0047] The assembly of FIG. 8 also includes a frame 562 which is fixedto unmasked apron 548. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a portion of frame562 is cut away for purposes of illustration. In many embodiments, frame562 completely surrounds an outer extent of insulating glass unit 532.

[0048] In FIG. 8 a pull tab 560 can be seen extending between an outerperimeter 550 of protective covering 542 and an inner boundary 566 offrame 562. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, pull tab 560 comprises a portionof a first strip 502 which extends beyond outer perimeter 550 ofprotective covering 542. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, outer perimeter550 of protective covering 542 is dimensioned so as to be disposedwithin inner boundary 566 of frame 562.

[0049]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first strip 702A having anadherent portion 704 and a non-adherent portion 724. In FIG. 9 it may beappreciated that first strip 702 comprises a substrate 726 having amajor surface 780. In FIG. 9, a first adhesive 708A is shown overlayingmajor surface 780 of substrate 726. In the embodiment of FIG. 9,non-adherent portion 724 of first strip 702A comprises a portion ofadhesive 708A which is covered by a liner 768. Also in the embodiment ofFIG. 9, adherent portion 704 of first strip 702 comprises a portion ofadhesive 708A which is not covered by a liner 768. It is to beappreciated that liner 768 may comprise various materials withoutdeviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examplesof materials which may be suitable in some applications includecellulostic materials (e.g., paper), metal foil, and polymeric film.Examples of polymeric materials which may be suitable in someapplications include: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester(e.g., PET), polyamide, and polyimide.

[0050]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembly including first strip702A shown in the previous figure. In FIG. 10, a protective covering 742is shown overlaying a face 706 of a first pane 700A. In the embodimentof FIG. 10, protective covering 742 has a free portion 746 and a fixedportion 744. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, free portion 746 ofprotective covering 742 comprises non-adherent portion 724 of firststrip 702A. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 10, fixed portion 744 ofprotective covering 742 comprises adherent portion 704 of first strip702A.

[0051] Liner 768 is visible in FIG. 10. In some advantageous embodimentsof the present invention, free portion 746 of protective covering 742 isdimensioned to be pinched between the thumb and index finger of a humanhand. In some cases, for example, liner 768 has a width that is similarto the thickness of a human finger.

[0052]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembly including aninsulating glass unit 932. In FIG. 11, a protective covering 942 isshown overlaying a face 906 of a first pane 900A of insulating glassunit 932. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, protective covering 942comprises a plurality of strips 902 disposed in an overlappingarrangement.

[0053] In the embodiment of FIG. 11, protective covering 942 comprises asecond strip 902B which is adhered to face 906 of pane 900 by a secondadhesive 908B and a first strip 902A. An adherent portion 904 of firststrip 902A is fixed to second strip 902B by an adhesive 908. In FIG. 11it may be appreciated that first strip 902A and second strip 902B definea channel 920. More particularly, a non-adherent portion 924 of firststrip 902A defines a first side 934 of channel 920 and a back surface984 of second strip 902B defines a second side 936 of channel 920.

[0054] Insulating glass unit 932 of FIG. 11 includes a first pane 900A,a second pane 900B and a spacer 940 interposed between first pane 900Aand second pane 900B. First pane 900A and second pane 900B may comprisevarious materials without deviating from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Examples of materials which may be suitable in someapplications include glass, metal, and plastics.

[0055] A free portion 946 of protective covering 942 overlays channel920. In some advantageous embodiments of the present invention, freeportion 946 of protective covering 942 is dimensioned to be pinchedbetween the thumb and index finger of a human hand. In some cases, forexample, free portion 946 of protective covering 942 has a width that issimilar to the thickness of a human finger.

[0056] Also in the embodiment of FIG. 11, a first opening 954communicating with channel 920 is offset from a first edge 982 of anouter perimeter 950 of protective covering 942 by a finite distance. Insome advantageous embodiments, this distance is similar to the width ofa human hand. In these advantageous embodiments, the offset may provideeasy access to first opening 954 by a users hand. For the purposes ofthis disclosure, the width of a human hand may be defined as thedistance extending from the outer side of the index finger to the outerside of the pinky finger.

[0057]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembly including protectivecovering 942 shown in the previous figure. In the embodiment of FIG. 12,an information bearing sheet 970 is disposed over protective covering942. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, information bearing sheet 970comprises a sheetstock 972 and a fifth adhesive 908E overlaying asurface of sheetstock 972.

[0058] In the embodiment of FIG. 12, a channel 920 is defined by firststrip 902A and second strip 902B. More particularly, a non-adherentportion 924 of first strip 902A defines a first side 934 of channel 920and a back surface 984 of second strip 902B defines a second side 936 ofchannel 920. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, an indicia 974 is disposed ona the surface of sheetstock 972 of information bearing sheet 970 in alocation which overlays channel 920. In this arrangement, a usersattention is likely to be drawn to indicia 974 when the user grasps freeportion 946 of protective covering 942.

[0059] Several forms of invention have been shown and described, andother forms will now be apparent to those skilled in art. It will beunderstood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respects, onlyillustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters ofshape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of theinvention. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the languagein which the appended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly, comprising: a pane having a face; aprotective covering overlaying the face of the pane; the protectivecovering comprising a free portion and a fixed portion; the free portionof the protective covering defining a first side of a channel; and theface of the pane defining a second side of the channel.
 2. The assemblyof claim 1, wherein the fixed portion of the protective coveringcomprises an adherent portion of a first strip that is fixed to the paneby an adhesive; and the free portion of the protective coveringcomprises a non-adherent portion of the first strip.
 3. The assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the first strip comprises a substrate and the adhesiveoverlays at least an adhesive portion of the substrate.
 4. The assemblyof claim 3, wherein the non-adherent portion of the first stripcomprises an adhesive free surface of the substrate.
 5. The assembly ofclaim 3, wherein the non-adherent portion of the first strip comprises aliner overlaying a portion of the adhesive.
 6. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the channel further includes a third side defined by theadhesive.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel communicateswith an opening extending between the free portion of the protectivecovering to the face of the pane.
 8. The assembly of claim 7, whereinthe opening is substantially aligned with an outer perimeter of theprotective covering.
 9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the face of thepane includes an un-masked apron extending between an outer perimeter ofthe protective covering and an outer extent of the pane.
 10. Theassembly of claim 9, wherein the opening faces the unmasked apron of thepane.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, further including a frame fixed to anunmasked apron of the face of the pane; and a tab extending between anouter perimeter of the protective covering and an inner border of theframe.
 12. The assembly of claim 1, further including a pull tabcomprising a portion of a strip which extends beyond an outer perimeterof the protective covering.
 13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thefree portion of the protective covering contacts the face of the paneand is easily lifted away from the face of the pane.
 14. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the free portion of the protective covering has a widththat is similar to a thickness of a human finger.
 15. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the protective covering comprises a plurality of stripsdisposed in an overlapping arrangement.
 16. The assembly of claim 1,further including an information bearing sheet overlaying the protectivecovering.
 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the information bearingsheet is disposed proximate the free portion of the protective coveringso that a persons attention is drawn to information bearing sheet whenthe person grasps the free portion of the protective covering.
 18. Theassembly of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the informationbearing sheet overlays the free portion of the protective covering. 19.An assembly, comprising: a pane having a face; a protective coveringoverlaying the face of the pane; the protective covering comprising afirst strip overlaying a second strip; a adherent portion of the firststrip being fixed to a back surface of the second strip by an adhesive;a non-adherent portion of the first strip defining a first side of achannel; and the back surface of the second strip defining a second sideof the channel.
 20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the channelfurther includes a third side defined by the adhesive.
 21. The assemblyof claim 19, wherein the non-adherent portion of the first stripoverlays the back surface of the second strip and is easily lifted awayfrom the back surface of the second strip.
 22. A method of protecting amasked area of a pane comprising the steps of: applying a plurality ofstrips on a surface of a pane, the strips being dimensioned andpositioned to define an unmasked apron extending between an outerperimeter of a protective covering and an outer extent of the pane. 23.The method of claim 22, wherein the unmasked apron dimensioned to matewith a frame.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the strips arepositioned so as to at least partially overlap.